The plant is dubbed solanum watneyi (soh-LAY'-num WAHT-nee-eye). It's related to the potato, which Watney grew on Mars as he puzzled out how to survive being stranded.

The journal article demonstrates that the plant represents a distinct species. One author, Chris Martine of Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, said the name reflects the film's demonstration that "through the scientific process there are ... lots of things we can still learn."

Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain Talk Working with Ridley Scott

The cast of the upcoming Ridley Scott film "The Martian" discuss what it was like working with the acclaimed director, the science aspect of the story, and whether they would venture into space. (Published Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015)